Marlene

Marlene Pullover by Deb Hoss

What is Being Made

Marlene is a slim-fitting, shapely pullover sweater designed by Deb Hoss and knit from the top down. This is a pullover-style garment featuring a deep V-neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. The sweater is available in seven sizes ranging from 31 inches to 55 inches in bust measurement, accommodating a wide range of body types. The design emphasizes a flattering silhouette with intentional shaping that follows natural body curves, making it suitable for those seeking a fitted, feminine sweater construction.

Design Features and Construction Details

The Marlene pullover incorporates several distinctive design elements that enhance its flattering fit. The bodice and sleeve hems dip slightly at their centers, creating a subtle visual interest and echoing the side shaping that runs throughout the garment. This coordinated shaping strategy ensures the sweater hugs the body while maintaining comfort and wearability. The deep V-neckline is a focal point of the design, providing an elegant and versatile neckline option suitable for layering or wearing alone.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential techniques that knitters should be comfortable executing:

• Top-down construction: The sweater is knit beginning at the neckline and working downward, allowing for easy fit adjustments during the knitting process
• Circular knitting: The project utilizes circular needles for seamless construction on the body and sleeves
• Short row shaping: Both wrap and turn and wrapless short row techniques are employed to create the curved shaping at the bodice and sleeve hems, with instructional links provided in the pattern
• Sleeve cap setting: The three-quarter sleeves are set into the armholes using traditional sleeve cap techniques
• Stitch pick-up: Stitches are picked up around the neckline for finishing
• Blocking: Final blocking is required to achieve the intended finished measurements and drape

Stitches and Decreases/Increases

The Marlene pattern incorporates fundamental knitting stitches and shaping methods:

• Decreases: Slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) are used to create the fitted shaping throughout the garment
• Increases: Make one left (m1L) and make one right (m1R) increases are used to add stitches where needed for shaping and sleeve cap construction
• Cast-on methods: Long-tail cast on begins the project, with knitted cast on used at other points in the construction

Yarn and Materials

The Marlene pullover is designed to be knit in worsted weight yarn, which provides excellent stitch definition and creates a fabric with good structure suitable for fitted garments. The pattern is worked on circular needles, which are essential for the top-down construction method and seamless circular knitting required for this project. The specific needle size is not detailed in the provided content, but would be specified in the full pattern instructions. Worsted weight yarn offers a good balance of warmth and wearability while allowing the shaping details and design features to be clearly visible in the finished fabric.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are comfortable with shaping techniques and reading pattern instructions. The Marlene pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing immediate access to the complete pattern instructions. The pattern was created by independent designer Deb Hoss and includes seven size options to accommodate different body measurements, with the photographed sample shown in the size 35¼ inch bust measurement worn with no ease for a close, fitted appearance.